Improving Flexibility

[micheleangel1]

Hi Cathe--

Love your stuff!

I have been very tight and inflexible my entire life but as I get older it is getting worse. I am prone to injury for that reason. I would like to improve my flexibility. Can flexibility improve with stretching? Can you recommend something?

Thanks. You are an inspiration!

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Micheleangel1! You can improve your flexibility through stretching. May I suggest my stretch workouts Stretch Max and Total Body Stretching. If you prefer not to order anything then simply do basic stretches and lean in toward the stretch very gently without trying to stretch too far in the beginning. After a couple of weeks of about 10 minutes a day, start aiming to stretch 20 minutes a day (and aim for at least 3 to 5 times per week), hitting all major muscle groups.

Stretch only to the end range of your comfort zone and slightly beyond. So you are slightly uncomfortable but still able to maintain the stretch. Control your breathing and hold each stretch 10 to 15 seconds. If you can't maintain the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds you have stretched too far.

Take Care

Hi Cathe--

Love your stuff!

I have been very tight and inflexible my entire life but as I get older it is getting worse. I am prone to injury for that reason. I would like to improve my flexibility. Can flexibility improve with stretching? Can you recommend something?

Thanks. You are an inspiration!

 

[micheleangel1]

Thank you!!

I will get started!!

 

[Davidj]

Can stretching be substituted for day off?

This question is to Cathe or anyone else:

Dear Cathe, Thank you for your above post, concerning stretching. I will be ordering your two stretching tapes this week.

Also, I am starting the formal STS program this week. And as an older person, I will be doing extra stretching to minimize DOMS. My question is this: is it recommended to do a stretch tape, once a week, on the designated "off day", as part of a STS rotation? Or is some other method recommended?
-- David

 

[MommaP]

STS - stretch included

Hi DavidJ,

I have STS and LOVE it. Each DVD includes a wonderful bonus stretch track that if my memory is correct runs 17 min. She suggests after each workout that you end it with this 'Extended Stretch' and it is wonderful. Like you I need it to fight DOMS also. and this sure helps! When I don't have time to do the entire 17 min I will pull one of my Gym Style DVD's for that muscle group and do that stretch.

Diana

 

[jthornton202264]

Just wanted to add to Cathe's post about Total Body Stretching and Stretch Max. I've had these DVDs for a long time, but never tried them (they came with a set). My mom was experiencing some back pain and went to a chiropractor who prescribed some home exercises/stretches to do. I'm 44 years old and I, too, have back pain (and other pains from time to time!), so I decided to start doing a segment from one of these DVDs each night before going to bed. After a couple of weeks, I did notice a change in my back pain, etc., but one of the things that stood out most was one day I had been sitting on my office floor "Indian" style for about 45 minutes going through a bunch of my work files. Usually when I have to get up after all this time, I can barely walk (stiff muscles, etc.). Well, I jumped up just like I had been sitting for only a few minutes. I attribute that to the stretching I had been doing. I didn't realize how important it was in total body fitness, but now I do!

Julie